MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

[dragster646]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

I have finished the first month of Year 2 of the Nationals rebuild, and already the Nationals have won 16 games, more than a quarter of the 56 total games they won in 2022. If we play the "at this pace" game, the Nationals are on pace to win 89/90 games. I am not expecting that to be the case, but it's a nice thought!

The Nats aren't the only surprising teams early on this year. The Pirates are defying all predictions by finishing the month at 17-11 and in second place in the NL Central. And the Rangers are leading the AL West (17-11), boasting one of the top offenses in all of baseball. A week ago I could have added the Rockies to this list, as they were leading the NL West, but they seem to have dropped off the pace, finishing April at 12-16.

Some teams are feeling the exact opposite as those listed above. One cannot help but notice where the Reds sit in the standings. All eyes are on Cincinnati after they signed Aaron Judge and Luis Severino and traded for Starling Marte and Taijuan Walker. Their first month was a complete disaster and they are looking way up from the bottom of the division at 8-21. Last year's AL Central champs, the Twins, are in the cellar of the division at 12-16. They have the talent to turn it around, but the division looks a lot tighter than last year. And how about the Blue Jays? One of the most talented teams in the AL brought in star closer Edwin Diaz and were expected to be a force, but they find themselves in last place at 11-17.

Other teams are living up, or down to, their expectations. The Yankees, Dodgers, Padres, Cardinals, and Braves are all performing well. The Athletics look to be far and away the worst team in the majors, and one wonders if they will even win 50 games this year. The Angels Megastars are performing as can be expected, but the team finds itself at 12-17.

May should be an interesting month, and a lot of teams should get a true sense of their identities as they head towards summer. It's already shaping up to be a great year in The Show!

For more stats and standings, check out my spreadsheet!

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

Been a while since I've posted in this thread as I was losing interest in franchise this year due to my fits and starts and all throughout the year.

Messing around the other day and found my original franchise file that was in year 2026 and decided to jump in and check it out and play a few games. A few games turned into several and long story short, I completed that season over the weekend losing in the NLCS to the Dodgers.

I completed the offseason which saw the likes of Ronald Acuna Jr become a free agent (he signed with the Padres) and have just started Spring Training.

I didn't update as I went along as I didn't know if I'd stick to it as I still bounced around until it got later in the season. But I've decided to run with this until '23 releases and this will be my backup in case something goes wrong with '23.

[kinsmen7]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

Been a while since I've posted in this thread as I was losing interest in franchise this year due to my fits and starts and all throughout the year.

Messing around the other day and found my original franchise file that was in year 2026 and decided to jump in and check it out and play a few games. A few games turned into several and long story short, I completed that season over the weekend losing in the NLCS to the Dodgers.

I completed the offseason which saw the likes of Ronald Acuna Jr become a free agent (he signed with the Padres) and have just started Spring Training.

I didn't update as I went along as I didn't know if I'd stick to it as I still bounced around until it got later in the season. But I've decided to run with this until '23 releases and this will be my backup in case something goes wrong with '23.

Happy to have you back!

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals head into Spring Training ready for another deep October run

The Cardinals were eliminated in the NLCS last year by eventual World Series Champion Dodgers in 5 games. This is the second time in 3 seasons under manager Joe Girardi that the Cards lost to the Dodgers in the NLCS.

Heading into Spring Training for 2027, the Cardinals are hopeful they have added the pieces to get over the hump, especially by improving their bullpen and adding depth to the rotation. The Cardinals acquired Max Fried from the Angels this past offseason unloading 3 Top 100 prospects to land the left hander. They signed Touki Touissant and Garrett Crochet to help the bullpen and only added 1B Kyle Schwarber to the lineup in hopes this is what they need to get to the Fall Classic.

The rotation has three definitive locks with Jack Flaherty, Max Fried and Reid Detmers anchoriing the top of the rotation. Matthew Liberatore, Michael McGreevy, Luis Medina, Jake Odorizzi, Carlos Martinez, and Chris Bassitt will look to round out the final two spots, with the young arms of Liberatore, McGreevy, and Medina being the favorites.

The bullpen was solid most of the year last year, but in the final two weeks and postseason play, they struggled. The Cardinals hope they added enough arms/depth to cure this problem over the winter. Enter Garrett Crochet and Touki Touissant, along with Ryne Stanek. These three along with Alex Reyes, Genesis Cabrera, Giovanny Gallegos, Ryan Helsley, and Jordan Hicks should provide the Cardinals with a strong bullpen to help close out games. Zack Thompson, Basil Caldwell, and Ken Bird will also likely figure into the mix over the season.

Ivan Herrera, Leon Hughes (#2 prospect in baseball) and Andrew Knizner, figure to be the depth of the catching position. Its likely Herrera and Knizner will break camp at the major league level as Leon Hughes is coming off a knee injury that ended his 2026 campaign last August.

The Cardinals young prospects have matured to the point they have incredible depth in the infield and outfield. The addition of Yairo Munoz this winter will add a veteran to the mix along with Kyle Schwarber who was signed to a one year deal to play first base after Luken Baker was dealt last trade deadline to the Pirates with other prospects to get Robert Hassell. Johnathan Mejia, Gary Coveleski, Mason Wynn, Jordan Walker, Branden McKay, and Malcolm Nunez will provide depth this year the Cardinals haven't had for a few seasons on the dirt. The everyday lineup is all but set with Schwarber at first, Nolan Gorman at second, Edmundo Sosa at SS, and Nolan Arenado at 3rd base.

The outfield is just as deep. Harrison Bader will anchor centerfield in the final year of his contract, and Dylan Carlson, who signed an 8 year $220M this winter will anchor right field. Left field is up for grabs after Tyler O'Neill left in 2025 and Andrew Benintendi decided to play elsewhere this past winter. Joshua Baez, Robert Hassell, Nick Plummer, Ryan Holgate, Trey Flether, and Jordan Walker will compete for the left field spot as well as the two bench roles. Baez is the favorite heading into camp after a big postseason and Robert Hassell will likely land an outfield spot as well after his showing last October as well. That leaves likely one spot open for competition.

The 2027 Cardinals have the pieces to make another deep run in October and are likely the favorites to win the NL Central, after winning last year despite having just 89 wins.

A 100 win season isn't out of the question, especially if the young arms in the rotation produce the results Joe Girardi and the front office expect.

The quest for number 12 in 2027 begins now.

[Bgrd1080]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

Been a while since I've posted in this thread as I was losing interest in franchise this year due to my fits and starts and all throughout the year.

Messing around the other day and found my original franchise file that was in year 2026 and decided to jump in and check it out and play a few games. A few games turned into several and long story short, I completed that season over the weekend losing in the NLCS to the Dodgers.

I completed the offseason which saw the likes of Ronald Acuna Jr become a free agent (he signed with the Padres) and have just started Spring Training.

I didn't update as I went along as I didn't know if I'd stick to it as I still bounced around until it got later in the season. But I've decided to run with this until '23 releases and this will be my backup in case something goes wrong with '23.

Was wondering if you were ok CB. Hadn't seen anything from you in a while. Happy to follow along and know you're doing well.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

Was wondering if you were ok CB. Hadn't seen anything from you in a while. Happy to follow along and know you're doing well.

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals to part ways with Kyle Schwarber

The Cardinals and 1B/OF Kyle Schwarber will be parting ways as Spring Training is coming to an end. Schwarber has struggled this spring recording just 2 hits in over 40 at-bats and striking out 17 times in those at bats versus zero walks.

In the past few weeks the Cardinals have slid Nolan Gorman back to first base (where he played the last two years), moved Edmundo Sosa to 2nd base and allowed young prospect Johnathan Mejia and Mason Wynn compete for the everyday shortstop job. They have also mixed in having Jordan Walker play first base and keep Gorman at 2nd and Sosa at SS, but its not expected to be the lineup the Cards break camp with.

Also, Michael McGreevy who was looking like a lock to earn a rotational spot after camp will likely start in Memphis after missing his last start due to elbow discomfort.

With about a week left of Spring Training the projected lineup is:

SS Johnathan Mejia
2B Edmundo Sosa
RF Dylan Carlson
3B Nolan Arenado
LF Joshua Baez
1B Nolan Gorman
C Ivan Herrera
CF Harrison Bader
Pitcher spot

Rotation:

Jack Flaherty
Max Fried
Reid Detmers
Luis Medina
Matthew Liberatore

[Caulfield]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

I just picked up Clint Frazier as a free agent but I absolutely cannot stand his batting stance (or Ruiz for that matter) but not because of any inaccuracy.
visually that left foot bent at a ridiculous angle grinds my gears to no end.
I thought I could flatten it straight in the batting editor but apparently cannot.
anywho, is there another stance similar to his with a flat front (left) foot?
TIA!

[Bgrd1080]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cincinnati Reds Struggle With Injuries

With the help of a few snow days and playing 1 game in every series, we have reached July 1st at 36-45. Injuries have been the story of the season. Nick Senzel fractured hand, out another month. Hunter Green a torn Labrum, out another 5 months after only 55 innings pitched. Jose Barrero just came back from a broken wrist and has played 18 games. My plan for the year was development but hard to do when the whole team gets bit by the injury bug. Nick Lodolo opened the season with a spot in the rotation and has gone 1-9 with a 7.68 ERA so he's making the move to AAA to work on mechanics, in turn elevating pitcher Reiver Sanmartin who played in 2 games last season..

My main issue is I am using the trade deadline rosters. This team has a plethora of infielders to develop but its hard to do when they are all blocking one another.
Spencer Steer at 3B blocked by Elly De La Cruz
Jose Barrero looks decent in a small sample and can play SS/2B/3B
Noelvi Marte SS as well.
Matt McClain needs the call up but also plays 2B/3B/SS and OF
Edwin Arroyo 22/2B/3B
and of course R.O.Y at 2B Jonathan India who is looking legit.
By my count that is 6 guys for infield positions unless I put McClain in the outfield....

Do I move 1 or 2 for some OF or pitching help? Do I just continue with the status quo? What would you guys do with this roster. Id like to compete at least a little next season while moving a lot of them up to the big leagues at the same time or 2024 at the latest..

[JoshC1977]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

My main issue is I am using the trade deadline rosters. This team has a plethora of infielders to develop but its hard to do when they are all blocking one another.
Spencer Steer at 3B blocked by Elly De La Cruz
Jose Barrero looks decent in a small sample and can play SS/2B/3B
Noelvi Marte SS as well.
Matt McClain needs the call up but also plays 2B/3B/SS and OF
Edwin Arroyo 22/2B/3B
and of course R.O.Y at 2B Jonathan India who is looking legit.
By my count that is 6 guys for infield positions unless I put McClain in the outfield....

Do I move 1 or 2 for some OF or pitching help? Do I just continue with the status quo? What would you guys do with this roster. Id like to compete at least a little next season while moving a lot of them up to the big leagues at the same time or 2024 at the latest..

Honestly, that's going to be a real conundrum for the real life Reds as well.

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer. I think you need to give guys a shot, see who pans-out and who doesn't. You can give that eval process 2-3 seasons and then decide who to potentially move.

In my experience, these things have a tendency to work themselves out on their own and the worst thing a team (whether virtual or IRL) can do is force a move too soon.

[dragster646]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

2023 Washington Nationals


Washington Nationals (16-12) at Miami Marlins (13-15)

Prior to this series starting it was announced that Mets SP Jacob deGrom will most likely miss the remainder of the season with a head fracture. I can't even make this stuff up.

Game One: Cade Cavalli (2-1, 4.44) vs Pablo Lopez (2-2, 2.89) The Marlins struck first in the second when Brian Anderson hit a two run home run on a hanging slider by Cavalli. Anderson would then drive in the third run of the game with a single in the seventh. Miguel Rojas would also hit an RBI single in the next at bat, and that would be all the Marlins needed to put this one away. Pablo Lopez was dominant, not allowing a run until there was one out in the ninth. He would be pulled after Luis Garcia’s double drove in Brandon Nimmo, and despite just allowing one K, Lopez never gave the Nationals much of a chance. They hit into three double plays, as Lopez stayed in the strike zone for most of the game and trusted his defense to make the plays behind him.

Game Two: Stephen Strasburg (3-2, 2.57) vs Sixto Sanchez (1-3, 7.77) Both teams scored in the first, the Nationals on a Yadiel Hernandez double and the Marlins on a Jazz Chisholm solo home run. That would be all the scoring until the sixth, when Chisholm hit a triple and scored on a Miguel Sano single. That was all the offense for this one, as Washington could only muster three hits (they had more walks than hits). Jazz Chisholm continues to hurt the Nationals, and if it isn’t him, it’s Brian Anderson. The remainder of the Marlins offense hasn’t done much against Washington this season, but their pitching is what has kept them competitive since the season started in 2022.

Game Three: MacKenzie Gore (3-3, 4.15) vs Sandy Alcantara (4-2, 1.45) Miami’s offense jumped on Gore early, hitting back to back home runs in the first to put themselves up 3-0. Washington would get their first hit off Alcantara in the fourth when Brandon Nimmo hit a lead off double. Luis Garcia would follow with a double of his own to score Nimmo, but would be thrown out one batter later trying to advance on a pitch in the dirt. This may have cost the Nationals a run as Yadiel Hernandez would single a few pitches later. Alcantara would limit the damage and escape the inning giving up just the one run. MacKenzie Gore rebounded from his rough first inning, striking out seven (including four in a row) before Joey Bart hit a solo home run with two outs in the fourth. Miami would hit its fourth home run in the eighth. Austin Martin, the rookie acquired from Minnesota, would hit a two run home run off of Victor Arano to put the game out of reach. Sandy Alcantara showed why he is the early favorite to win the CY Young, going eight full and giving up a run on four hits with no walks and five strikeouts. MacKenzie Gore would leave after five innings, giving up four runs on four hits (three of them home runs), walking one and striking out eight.

It was a rough series for the Nationals, and one has to wonder if the tough traveling schedule had something to do with it. They have now slid to 16-16 and will get a day off before going home to face the new look Reds, who are off to the worst start in the majors.

[franch1se]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

We just set the MLB record with our 117th win of the year and are now 117-33. Bats just continue to rake and we're getting great pitching on top of that from both our starters and our pen.

Manny Machado is the NL MVP leader with a .309 AVG with 52 HR and 136 RBIs. He's leading the #2 vote getter and teammate Juan Soto who's hitting .303 with 61 HR and 110 RBI. Xander is starting to get hot in the HR category but still so far behind his teammates hitting .314 with 13 HR and 66 RBI. Tatis is struggling with the average hitting .248 with 35 HR and 90 RBI. The suprise continues to be Matt Carpenter who is having a career year at age 36 hitting .296 with 42 HR and 105 RBI.

Yu Darvish is leading the way at 22-4 with a 2.42 ERA, Joe Musgrove is 21-1 with a 2.28 ERA and 0.92 WHIP. Our worst pitcher has been our third starter of Blake Snell who is 12-8 with a 3.68 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. Seth Lugo has a record of 15-3 with a 2.35 ERA and 0.97 ERA while Michael Wacha rounds out the rotation at 7-1 with a 2.64 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. Spot starters include Cole Hamels who is working long relief with a 2-0 record and 2.91 ERA and Nick Martinez who is 9-4 with a 2.77 ERA. Martinez has moved to the 7th inning role as he did during the post season of last year (IRL). Robert Suarez holding down the 8th with a 1.43 ERA with Josh Hader who is the leader for the Trevor Hoffman relief pitcher of the year with a 1.26 ERA with 71 strikeouts in 57 IP and has a league leading 52 saves.

Next up to end the month of September are the Cardinals for 3, Rockies for 3 and then the Dodgers for 3 before we move to the final series of the year which is the White Sox for 3 which falls into the month of October.

[dragster646]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

2023 Washington Nationals

The Nationals (16-16) welcome the Reds (8-24) to Nationals Park. I’ve covered the Reds a few times already, but this is the first time the Nationals have seen them this year. Basically, the Reds went all in in the offseason, signing Aaron Judge, Luis Severino and Andrew Benentendi while also trading for Starling Marte and Taijuan Walker. They did give up C Tyler Stephenson, who is off to a fantastic start for the Mets, but many people were expecting big things from this team. It has not come to fruition yet, as the Reds enter this series with the worst record in baseball.

Game One: Hunter Greene (1-3, 5.23) vs Josiah Gray (3-2, 2.97) The Nationals struck first when Lane Thomas hit a solo home run in the third for the first hit in the game. They would manufacture another run in the fifth when Keibert Ruiz hit a sac fly to score Gleyber Torres. And that would be all the scoring in this one, as both offenses have been cold lately and the defense was stellar for both sides. The Reds made some fantastic double plays and CJ Abrams (playing at short today) and Gleyber Torres made some fantastic jumping catches in the ninth to prevent any rally from starting. Nationals take this one 2-0. Josiah Gray was pulled after 6 to let the strong bullpen arms finish the game, and he finished with just 2 hits, 2 walks and 3Ks.

Game Two: Nick Lodolo (1-5, 6.44) vs Zach Davies (1-3, 4.15) Starling Marte left the game during his at bat in the third*. He was replaced by Juan Pablo Martinez. The Reds offense struck first in the fourth inning when Judge singled, Jonathon India doubled, Kyle Farmer hit a sac fly and Austin Wells singled. The Nationals would mount a rally in the sixth and get their first run via a Lane Thomas single, but the inning would end when Anderson Tejeda tried to advance to third on a pitch in the dirt. And that would be how this one ends, the Reds escape with a 2-1 victory. The Nats had plenty of chances but they have been stuck in a rut of trying too hard to make something happen instead of letting it all happen naturally: Too many swings at pitchers’ pitches that result in easy outs.

*Starling Marte has a strained oblique and will miss up to a week of action.

Game Three: Graham Ashcraft (3-3, 3.93) vs Cade Cavalli (2-2, 4.31) Cavalli started the game by giving up back to back hits before Aaron Judge grounded into a double play. Nick Senzel was injured sliding into second, the trainers are hopeful it is just a sprain*. He was replaced by Kyle Farmer. The Nationals got off to a fast start, as Brandon Nimmo and Luis Garcia both singled. Nimmo would score when Brandon Drury singled up the middle. Joey Meneses followed that up with an RBI single of his own, as did Ildemaro Vargas and Anderson Tejeda. Washington added another run in the fifth when Yadiel Hernandez hit a sac fly to score Brandon Nimmo. The Reds would finally score in the seventh on a Jonathon India sac fly. Cade Cavalli was efficient, and combined with the Reds’ ultra-aggressive approach, would finish the game on just 82 pitches.

It’s easy to see why the Reds are struggling despite the players they brought in. They are super aggressive at the plate, and their pitching staff is young and inconsistent. This looks like it will be a developmental season for them, and an expensive one at that. This series went very quick, not a lot of offense on either side. This seems to be the story of the Reds' season thus far, as they have one of the lowest run totals in baseball.

*Nick Senzel has an ACL sprain and will miss 1-2 weeks.

The Nationals move to 18-17 and will have an off day before welcoming the interleague rival Baltimore Orioles to town for two games.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals win on Opening Day against Pirates

The Cardinals (1-0) got the 2027 season off to a good start with a 1-0 extra innings win over the Pirates at PNC Park.

Jack Flaherty would earn the no decision as he went 7 innings giving up no runs on 4 hits with 6 strikeouts and 2 walks.

The Cardinals had chances in the game to strike earlier than the 11th inning, but good defense by the Buccos, bad at-bats by the Cardinals, and questionable calls by home plate umpire Mike Filmore, negated those opportunities.

Garrett Crochet earned the victory after Dylan Carlson drove in Jordan Walker with 2 outs in the Top of the 11th. Giovanny Gallegos would close the door on the Pirates in the bottom half of the inning earning his first save of the season.

The two teams are off tomorrow, but will return to the diamond on Saturday with Max Fried making his regular season debut for the Cardinals.

Ivan Herrera to IL with lat muscle strain

Catcher Ivan Herrera left in the 5th inning with a lat muscle strain that will land him on the 10 Day IL. Top prospect (#2 in baseball) Leon Hughes will replace Herrera on the 26 man roster. Its not known right now if Hughes or Andrew Knizner will be the catcher everyday while Herrera is out.

[dragster646]

Re: MLB The Show 22 Franchise Discussion Thread

2023 Washington Nationals

The Baltimore Orioles come to DC for a quick two game series with the Nationals. Both teams have identical records of 18-17 and feature young lineups that are looking to have a breakout year. Realistically neither team is primed for the postseason yet, but in a year or two things could look very different. Unlike the Nationals, the Orioles did not change much of their roster for the 2023 season. They did lose Jesus Aguilar to the Cubs in free agency and the only addition to the major league roster is the addition of Franchy Cordero. The O’s come to Washington without Ryan Mountcastle, who is out with a dislocated shoulder.

Game 1: John Means (4-1, 2.83) vs Stephen Strasburg (3-3, 2.57) The first inning was a wash for both offenses as the lighting and shadows were playing havoc on the batters. The sun would be below the buildings by the bottom of the second however, and the Nationals struck right away. Joey Meneses doubled off the wall to lead off the inning. This was followed by an RBI single from Victor Robles, a single from Gleyber Torres (Robles went first to third) and another RBI single by Luis Garcia. Means would respond by getting Lane Thomas to ground into a DP, followed by a fly out from Wilmer Perez to limit the damage to just two runs. However, Enrique Hernandez would lead off the third with a double and Brandon Drury would hit a two run home run a few batters later to double the Nats score. Then, with two outs in the fifth, Ildemaro Vargas singled to center. This would be the end of the line for John Means, but he would be charged with a fifth earned run when Joey Meneses hit a single that scored Vargas and Drury (who doubled after Means was replaced by Spenser Watkins). Stephen Strasburg was dominant, getting the complete game shutout on just 3 hits, a walk and 8Ks.

Game 2: Tyler Wells (1-3, 1.75) vs MacKenzie Gore (3-4, 4.54) The Nationals used the small ball approach early in this one, getting out to a 2-0 lead after three innings. Anderson Tejeda drove in Joey Meneses with a sac fly in the second and Yadiel Hernandez allowed Brandon Nimmo to score on a ground out in the third. MacKenzie Gore was not at his best, he did record a strikeout and gave up two walks, but did not give up any runs until the sixth inning. He gave up back to back hits to start the inning, and then allowed the runners to advance with a wild pitch before getting an out. That would be the end of his day, but Victor Arano would come in and give up a double to Austin Hays to tie the game at two. The Nationals would respond in the bottom half when Baltimore brought in Bruce Zimmermann. With two down and a man on second, Anderson Tejeda would double and Lane Thomas was given a free pass to load the bases for Keibert Ruiz. The Nationals would pinch hit and bring in Gleyber Torres, who would drive in all three runs with a double off the wall. Brandon Nimmo would then single to score Torres to put the Nats up 6-2. The O’s would inch closer in the seventh when Anthony Santander hit a two run home run off of Carl Edwards Jr, but the Nationals got one back in the bottom half when Brandon Drury doubled and scored on a Joey Meneses single. Aaron Bummer would pitch a flawless eighth and Trevor Rosenthal would come in for the close, striking out the side on just 10 pitches.

The Nationals (20-17) finally get a series sweep, their first since 2021. It was a 2 game series, but they will take it. They played fantastic baseball in both games and on both sides of the diamond. Hopefully this momentum will carry forward as they will now have a day off before the Dodgers (21-17) come to town for three games.